idioms

English Phrases and Idioms

Missy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:13:40 -0600

- "Back to square one"
meaning: to start all over again
Example: Well, that science experiment was a failure, back to square one to try to find another solution.

-"Whatever floats your boat"
meaning: whatever it is that makes you happy
Example: Charlie loves skiing, but I hate the snow. Oh well, whatever floats his boat is fine with me!

-"It's like finding a needle in a haystack"
meaning: it will be impossible to find
Example: I had to find my book in my brother's room but since it was so messy it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Some English Idioms

Missy — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:26:09 -0500

1) "Needless to say" meaning: obvious
Example: It is needless to say that we can't buy a house if we can't even afford a car.

2) "Shape up or ship out" meaning: start behaving or leave
Example: Matt, I have told you eleven times to not throw things in class! Shape up or ship out!

3) "A lemon" meaning: a car or vehicle that has many problems.
Example: The last time I bought a car, I got a lemon. This time when I buy a car I will have a mechanic check it first.

4) "Set in stone" meaning: finalized, already decided
Example: The decision is set in stone, you can't change your mind now.

5) "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." meaning: don't hurt the people who help you
Example: Marsha always helps you clean the house, don't bite the hand that feeds you. You should help her tonight with her school project like she asked.

"American Idioms"

Missy — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:13:43 -0500

1) "bug someone" - to annoy someone.
Example: Would you stop screaming, you're bugging me!

2) "low man on the totem pole" - person in the lowest rank or position
Example: Since I just got hired at the company, I am the low man on the totem pole.

3) "the spur of the moment" - suddenly, impulsively, to do something without thinking first
Example: We went to Disneyland at the spur of the moment since we had just won five-hundred dollars.

4) "ring a bell" - something that comes to memory or sounds familiar
Example: Her name rings a bell but I just can't remember what she looks like.

5) "in the same boat" - experiencing the same bad situation
Example: I know you don't have money for food, but we are in the same boat since I lost my job last week.